Lewis Hammett, whose appointment as Bovey Tracey 1st XI captain was confirmed at the club's on-line annual meeting<br>credit: Mark Lockett | copyrighted

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BOVEY Tracey CC’s new chairman Andy Bishop led the tributes to predecessor Nigel Mountford at the cricket club’s annual meeting.

Covid-19 restrictions meant the meeting was switched to a digital platform and prevented the ‘social’ element of the occasion.

Switching to Zoom did not stop Bishop praising Mountford for the 18 years he spent in the chair as a tireless worker on behalf of the club.

“Nigel rightly called out many of his own highs – winning the Premiership in 2017 and successfully launching the 4th XI are two of them – and reflect the fantastic culture Nigel has embodied throughout his time as chairman,” said Bishop.Nigel Mountford and wife Gill take a stroll around the boundary at Bovey Tracey CC | Mark Lockett

“His custodianship has seen the development of a club which is both ambitious and also for the community, dedicated to the development of the younger players.

“I know some of his proudest moments are those on the boundary watching young players succeed in the 1st XI and going on the play for Devon who started in our Colts.

“A highlight of his tenure was setting up the pavilion redevelopment (phase one). The funding he obtained enabled the club to provide improved facilities. “Phase Two is already planned and Nigel has agreed to, once more become involved.”

Bishop said Mountford had brought credit to the club for his more recent roles as chief executive of the Devon County Cricket Club and also as chair of the Tolchards Devon League’s discipline panel.

Mountford may have stepped aside as chairman, but Bishop reserves a new role for him as club president in succession to Rob Phillips.

Bishop told Nigel: “I am delighted you have agreed to be our new president – a fitting and appropriate tribute to a true gentleman who has given so much to this club over many years.

“You have created a legacy which I and the committee will do our utmost to honour in the coming years.”

Mountford joined the club when his late father Stuart was playing, as were three uncles. Another family member, Arthur, was club chairman,

His playing career began against 1967 and by 1969 he was a virtual ever-present in the 2nd XI. He won the Cannon Power Cup that season as a 16-year-old for the player showing the most promise.

Mountford, who was a wicketkeeper-batsmen just like his father, joined Torquay for the 1976 season and was a member of their side that won the Devon League title that year. 

Bovey Tracey lured the prodigal son back during the 1986 season and there he played for the next 31 years.

Mountford was vice-captain of the 1st XI in 1987 and 1988 then first-team skipper from 1989-1995. His team-mates voted him their player of the year in 1996.Bovey Tracey's hard-working chairman Nigel Mountford going out to re-mark the pitch during a tea interval | Mark Lockett

He became chairman at the 2002 annual meeting and after an exceedingly difficult period during which a number of established players left the club en-bloc.

Geoff Coish, who was Bovey secretary during much of Mountford’s time as chairman, said it was hard to underestimate how hard he worked to get the club back on an even keel.

“The leadership he showed on the pitch was amazing, bringing together a new committee, new players and a new culture at the club,” said Coish.

“From my own experience I know he has undertaken just every job at the club that anyone can imagine and some indeed you cannot,” added Bishop.

Mountford carried on playing until the 2017 season when he declared his innings closed, not just for Bovey Tracey but the Devon O50s and O60s sides as well.

It is virtually all change across the board as far as officers are concerned with a new president, a new chairman and a new vice-chairman and a new secretary. Joining Mountford and Young with new job titles are secretary Alison Andrew and treasurer Terri Hayes.

Bovey Tracey will have a new 1st XI captain in 2021 following the resignation of Toby Codd after three seasons in the job. Lewis Hammett, a former Bovey Colt, will be taking charge. Hammett is no stranger to leadership roles as he is the captain of Ashmoor Hockey Club’s 1st XI.